Tips for Traveling with Laptops
April 13, 2007. There's a certain kind of traveler who just can't go without his laptop, or at least without the Internet. Fortunately, many luxury vacation rentals now furnish computers with Internet service, and sometimes even provide wireless Internet. From the Bahamas to British Columbia, it's easier than ever to connect to the World Wide Web.
For those of us who can't leave their laptop at home, or at least need to check their email once per day, we offer these tips.
Prepare for takeoff. Laptops may be durable, but they are not invincible. We highly recommend a padded carrying case, whether in the form of a backpack, messenger bag or briefcase. Some vacationers may view this as an advertisement to thieves; if this is a concern, outfit a more discreet form of luggage with some padding (available at luggage shops, office supply companies and fabric stores.)
Score a connection. In a town like San Francisco, you can't go anywhere without finding a Wi-Fi connection. But what about Branson, Missouri? To begin with, try the local coffee shops. If you aren't sure where to find one, open up the phonebook and look for a Starbucks – the chain has Wi-Fi in thousands of locations now. Bagel shops, hotels, libraries and college campuses are also great places to try. Libraries are also great places to check email (you may have to sign up for a library card, but that's painless).
Security. You want your laptop to still be there after you grab an espresso. So how do you protect it? Physical locks will chain your laptop to a table leg. Motion sensors will sound an alarm if the computer moves suddenly or in a jerky fashion. And "LoJack"-type security software can even track your device as soon as a thief connects to the Internet. They may cost a little extra, but it's worth protecting your investment.
